At the Namibian Youth Chamber of Environment (NYCE), we dedicated the month of September to both cleaning up and innovating for a sustainable future. As part of this effort, we launched the “Youth Environmental Heroes” competition, inviting young people and organizations across Namibia to address waste management in their communities through fresh, creative and practical solutions. Namibians between the ages of 18 and 35 were encouraged to submit their ideas, with the best submission winning a cash prize of N$ 3,000.
The competition aimed to find innovative solutions that effectively address waste management issues, have a positive impact on the environment, and can be easily implemented and sustained in the long term
The winning entry came from Klaudia Nghitevelekwa, a second-year student at the University of Namibia, Katima Mulilo Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree in Mathematics and Biology. Klaudia’s innovative idea of turning waste into art was particularly inspiring. She transformed discarded materials like newspapers and plastic carry bags into functional items such as storage containers, decorative pieces, and table lamps, demonstrating the artistic potential of recycling. Her work beautifully highlights that waste management begins at home and showcases how creativity can be a powerful tool in promoting environmental awareness.
Congratulations, Klaudia! We deeply appreciate your passion for the environment and your commitment to making a difference.